Information on Leicester
News Index
2012
Feb 2012Jan 2012
2011
Dec 2011Nov 2011
Oct 2011
Sep 2011
Aug 2011
Jul 2011
Jun 2011
May 2011
Apr 2011
Mar 2011
Feb 2011
Jan 2011
2010
Dec 2010Nov 2010
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
Jul 2010
Jun 2010
May 2010
Apr 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Researchers into abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at the University of Leicester have received over £900,000 funding from the Wellcome Trust as part of a £30M international initiative.
The Leicester researchers are leading an international group of collaborators investigating a disease that is the eighth most common cause of death in England and Wales.
Matt Bown, Lecturer in Surgery, and Rob Sayers, Professor of Vascular Surgery, at the University of Leicester’s Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, together with Professor Nilesh Samani and Professor John Thompson, are carrying out genetic research into AAA, a disease that affects the main artery in the body, the abdominal aorta.
Over the past five years the Leicester research group has been working with other groups around the world (University of Leeds, University College London, St Georges University of London, Imperial College London, The Royal West Sussex NHS Trust, James Cook University, Australia and Otago Medical School, New Zealand) to collect enough DNA samples from patients with AAA to be able to carry out this project.
The funding from the Wellcome Trust is for a genetic screen for patients with the condition. This will identify the genetic variations that are associated with AAA and will aid scientists’ understanding of the pathological process involved in the disease’s development.
Matt Bown, Principal Applicant for the project, commented: “This research will take us closer to developing drug treatments for AAA and potentially save the lives of thousands of people each year.”
In people with AAA, the diseased blood vessel becomes enlarged and weakens. When an AAA becomes very large it can rupture, resulting in catastrophic blood loss and death in the majority of people who are unfortunate enough to suffer this complication.
Matt Bown explained the significance of his research: “AAA affects 6 per cent of males over 65 years of age. The majority of deaths are due to rupture, an event that only occurs after many years of slow growth. Unfortunately the only strategy to prevent rupture is complex high-risk surgery.
“However, due to the long latent period when the aneurysm is growing and readily detectable by a simple ultrasound scan, there is an excellent opportunity to prevent the need for surgery or progression to rupture by pharmacological treatment.
“Currently no pharmacotherapeutic agent has been identified to treat aneurysms and this is partly because the exact biological processes that lead to AAA formation are unknown.”
Scientists know that genetics play an important part in the development of AAA. People who have first-degree relatives with AAAs are at a higher risk of developing an AAA themselves.
Traditional methods for determining the genetic basis of diseases (linkage and candidate gene studies) have failed to identify the genetic changes that are associated with AAA. Recent technological advances now mean that it is possible to ‘screen’ the whole of a person’s genetic code for almost all of the common variations that exist between individuals.
By comparing the patterns seen in several thousand people with and without a particular disease it is possible to identify the genes that are associated with the disease. This approach to determining the genetics of complex diseases has recently been shown to be effective and has produced results for diseases such as coronary artery disease, where Leicester have also been a leading centre and Diabetes Mellitus.
The funding from the Wellcome Trust is awarded as part of a £30M national follow-up study to the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium, the largest ever study of the genetics of common disease, which was hailed as a major breakthrough in medical science in a number of prestigious journals including Nature and The Lancet.
The national study will collect DNA samples from 120,000 people, allowing researchers across the country to look at 25 diseases, as well as studying the genetics of learning in children and individuals’ responses to statins.
This will be one of the most ambitious studies ever undertaken, bringing together leading research groups from 16 institutions in the UK and internationally. Over the next two years it is expected to analyse as many as 120 billion pieces of genetic data in the search for the genes underlying diseases such as multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and asthma.
The initiative has identified a number of new genes and regions of the human genome which increase people’s susceptibility to or protect them from particular diseases.
Latest News
If you don't use it... freeuse it! | |
|---|---|
 | 11 February 2010If you don't use it. .... 11 Feb 2010 If you don't use it... freeuse it! |
Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
 | Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in GrobyPolice are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two teenage boys in Groby. The incident happened at around 6.... 11 Feb 2010 Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |
Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
| Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres MonsellHomes of elderly residents in Eyres Monsell are being given a security boost to help prevent distraction burglaries. Officers from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary will be visiting up to 300 properties to carry out security checks and install crime prevention devices such as door chains and bolts, window locks, kick boards to strengthen front and back doors, personal alarms and digital spy cameras, where appropriate.... 11 Feb 2010 Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell |
Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
| Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers Elderly residents in Leicester are being warned following a series of distraction burglaries by two men claiming to be police officers. Four distraction burglaries were reported to police in the city during the evening of Wednesday February 10.... 11 Feb 2010 Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers |
Related News
SCREENING FOR DIABETES POTENTIALLY COST-EFFECTIVE FOR UK | |
|---|---|
 | A new University of Leicester study reveals that screening people who are at risk of developing diabetes could be a cost-effective health policy and improve the lives of patients.... 14 May 2008 SCREENING FOR DIABETES POTENTIALLY COST-EFFECTIVE FOR UK |
Largest Ever Study of Diabetes Shows Intensive Glucose Control Reduces Serious Complications | |
| New results from the world's largest ever study of diabetes treatments show that intensive blood glucose (sugar) control using modified release gliclazide and other drugs as required, protects patients against serious complications of the disease.... 10 Jun 2008 Largest Ever Study of Diabetes Shows Intensive Glucose Control Reduces Serious Complications |
Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease: How to Reduce the Risk? | |
 | Changes in society are leading to a sedentary lifestyle and are causing a rise in the number of people with obesity and cardiovascular disease... 13 Jun 2008 Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease: How to Reduce the Risk? |
Scientists aim to create Genetic snapshot of the diversity of Leicester | |
 | University of Leicester study will profile make-up of a modern British city Scientists at the world-famous Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester, home of DNA fingerprinting, are recruiting men who live in Leicester to provide a genetic snapshot of the diversity of the city. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, will focus on the Y chromosome, part of our DNA that is passed down from fathers to sons.... 28 Apr 2008 Scientists aim to create Genetic snapshot of the diversity of Leicester |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
 | The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
Relevant News
LEADING ACADEMIC TO HEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER | |
|---|---|
 | A leading academic, who has previously worked with the US multinational ITT as a specialist in human-computer interaction, is to join the University of Leicester as the new Head of the School of Psychology.... 08 Apr 2008 LEADING ACADEMIC TO HEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER |
VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER | |
 | A University of Leicester student has achieved an extraordinary milestone in her career by being selected for a prestigious national prize.... 08 Apr 2008 VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
| The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
Stroke pilot study results to be announced at University of Leicester | |
 | Preliminary results from a major multi-centre UK pilot trial into Stroke are to be announced at the University of Leicester on 22 April.... 15 Apr 2008 Stroke pilot study results to be announced at University of Leicester |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Most Read News (today)
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
|---|---|
 | A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
 | A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
 | Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (this month)
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
|---|---|
| A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
| A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (alltime)
Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial | |
|---|---|
| Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trialClockwise from top left: Gaffar, Mirza, Desai and KhanA PCSO has been praised today after his actions helped to secure the prosecution of four men for GBH, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and blackmail. At around 8.... 13 Nov 2009 Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial |
Don't be dead in the water this summer | |
 | Parents preparing for summer are being urged to think before buying blow-up arm-bands and rings County Council Trading Standards officers are encouraging people to check that buoyancy aids will really do the job before grabbing the nearest inflatable off the shelf. Not all products are meant to be used to help a child stay above water and even if they will float, if the item is a toy, such as an inflatable animal or giant ring, it will not necessarily be manufactured to the same safety standards as something specifically designed to help a child learn to swim.... 09 Apr 2008 Don't be dead in the water this summer |
Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University | |
 | Professor Stephen Hawking to deliver 50th Anniversary lecture at University of Leicester The University of Leicester will be making history on Wednesday 28th May when one of the best-known and most remarkable scientists of our time will talk on the beginning of time and the cosmos. As part of the University s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Professor Stephen Hawking, CBE, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, will discuss theories on the origin of the Universe in a public lecture.... 01 May 2008 Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University |
Creative graduates start up in business | |
| Community Services 7 July 2009 Creative graduates start up in business Four graduates from De Montfort and Loughborough Universities have won 1000 each plus business support to start up new creative businesses in Leicestershire:Emma Amies is setting up a new lingerie brand using fresh fabrics and styles from the 1950s. Emma previously worked as a Town Planner as well as designing wind farms for a green electricity company.... 09 Jul 2009 Creative graduates start up in business |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |